This week on Modern Work Mondays, Nolan and Jeff connect at NRF to talk about a challenge that many retailers encounter: moving from outdated communication tools to modern, integrated systems. They introduce the concept of “radio purgatory” to describe the limbo retailers experience when relying on legacy radios that struggle to meet the demands of today’s digital-first environments. This episode focuses on how retailers can overcome these challenges without the need for a complete hardware overhaul.

What is “Radio Purgatory”

Nolan and Jeff used the term “radio purgatory” to describe a scenario many retailers find themselves in: stuck between outdated communication tools like analog radios and the potential of modern digital systems.  

While modern workforce technology offers transformative potential, retailers often hesitate to upgrade due to the costs, operational risks, and training required. With tens of thousands of radios still in use in-stores, making the leap to digital-first systems can feel overwhelming.

Bridging the gap with SYNQ’s voice AI suite

Instead of requiring retailers to overhaul their entire communication infrastructure, SYNQ has developed a voice AI suite that transforms analog radios into intelligent, connected devices. Here’s how:

• SYNQ Air Traffic Control: Converts digital requests into radio notifications, enabling two-way communication that allows associates to claim tasks quickly.  

• SYNQ Voice Agent: Leverages agentic AI to turn everyday radio chatter into structured, actionable data.

Unlocking the power of AI and connected tools

SYNQ’s voice AI suite offers retailers the tools to modernize communication without abandoning their existing infrastructure. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced communication: Radios can connect seamlessly with Frontline Hero modules, allowing associates to receive and respond to notifications and tasks efficiently.

• Actionable insights: Analyze radio traffic to uncover patterns, optimize workflows, and improve response times for both customers and associates.

• Empower associates: Provide associates with instant access to inventory, product details, and operational insights, reducing dependency on in-store expertise.

Future-proofing your hardware

As Nolan and Jeff emphasized, transitioning away from legacy systems doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing leap. By leveraging tools like SYNQ’s voice AI suite, retailers can gradually modernize their communication systems while continuing to use their existing infrastructure. This phased approach ensures minimal disruption while unlocking the benefits of a connected, data-driven retail environment.

Tune into this week’s episode to learn more about how retailers can modernize their existing hardware:

*Patent pending